Are Huntsman Spiders Dangerous to Humans?

No, Huntsman spiders are not dangerous to humans. They might look big and move fast, but they’re more helpful than harmful. Their bites are rare and usually cause only mild symptoms.

Huntsman spiders actually help control pests in your home. Understanding them can make you feel less scared if you see one. Let’s dive into what makes these spiders unique and why they’re not as scary as they seem!

What Makes Huntsman Spiders Different?

Huntsman spiders are known for their size and speed. They are found in warm places around the world, including Australia, Asia, and Africa. Unlike many other spiders, Huntsman spiders don’t spin webs to catch their food. Instead, they use their speed to hunt down insects.

While they are unique in these ways, Huntsman spiders are sometimes confused with other species, such as the brown recluse or hobo spider, due to their size and color. To understand these differences better, take a look at this comparison between hobo and brown recluse spiders.

These spiders can grow very large, with legs that can stretch up to 6 inches! Their flat bodies help them hide in small spaces, like behind furniture or under rocks. Huntsman spiders are usually brown or gray, which helps them blend into their surroundings.

Fun Fact: Huntsman spiders got their name because they chase their prey instead of waiting in a web.

How Can You Identify a Huntsman Spider?

If you spot a large spider, how can you tell if it’s a Huntsman?

Huntsman spiders have long, flat bodies that help them squeeze into tight spaces. Their legs are long and covered in fine hairs, making them look even bigger. Most Huntsman spiders are brown or gray, which helps them blend into their surroundings.

However, distinguishing a Huntsman from other spiders can sometimes be tricky, especially when you encounter species like the brown recluse or wolf spider. If you’re interested in learning more about how these spiders compare, check out this detailed comparison between the brown recluse and the wolf spider.

Their eyes are another key feature. Huntsman spiders have eight eyes arranged in two rows. The two large eyes in the middle of their heads are very noticeable. These eyes help them see well in the dark, which is important for hunting at night.

Tip: If you see a spider with very long legs and a flat body, it’s probably a Huntsman.

Where Do Huntsman Spiders Live?

Huntsman spiders live in warm regions around the world. They are often found in Australia, but you can also find them in Asia, Africa, and the Americas. These spiders like to hide in dark, sheltered places like under rocks, in tree bark, or even inside your home.

In homes, they might be found behind furniture, in closets, or even inside shoes. Huntsman spiders are good at hiding, so you might not notice them right away. They are most active at night when they come out to hunt for food.

Note: Huntsman spiders are good at hiding, so you might find one behind furniture or in a dark corner.

What Is the Life Cycle of a Huntsman Spider?

Huntsman spiders go through several stages in their life. It all starts with the female laying eggs in a silk sac. She carefully guards the sac until the baby spiders, called spiderlings, hatch. The spiderlings stay close to their mother until they are ready to go out on their own.

Curious about the survival tactics of other spiders? Discover how long a wolf spider can live without food to understand more about spider resilience.

As they grow, the spiderlings shed their exoskeletons, which is a process called molting. They go through several molts before reaching adulthood. Once they are fully grown, Huntsman spiders can live for one to two years, depending on the environment.

Huntsman spiders usually reach maturity in one to three years, depending on their species and the conditions in which they live. During this time, they develop their full hunting skills and begin to search for mates. Once a female is ready to lay eggs, she will find a safe place to create her silk sac and guard it until her spiderlings are born.

Tip: If you see a Huntsman spider carrying a silk sac, it’s protecting its eggs.

What Do Huntsman Spiders Eat?

Huntsman spiders are hunters, and they love to eat insects. They are fast and can catch flies, moths, and even small lizards. Because they eat so many bugs, they can actually help keep your home free of pests.

If you’re curious about what other animals eat spiders, check out this detailed guide on animals that prey on spiders.

These spiders are nocturnal, which means they do most of their hunting at night. They use their speed and sharp eyesight to catch their prey. Huntsman spiders don’t spin webs to catch their food. Instead, they chase down their prey and use their long legs to grab it.

After catching their prey, Huntsman spiders inject venom to immobilize it. The venom also starts to digest the prey, turning it into a liquid that the spider can eat. This hunting method allows Huntsman spiders to eat a wide variety of insects and small animals.

Fun Fact: Huntsman spiders use their speed to chase down prey instead of catching it in a web.

Can Huntsman Spiders Bite You?

Yes, Huntsman spiders can bite, but their bites are not dangerous to humans. A bite might hurt a little and cause some redness and swelling, but it’s usually not serious. Huntsman spiders are not aggressive and will only bite if they feel threatened.

However, not all spiders are as harmless as the Huntsman. For example, the black widow spider is known for its potentially dangerous bite, leading many to wonder whether they should kill one if they find it in their home. If you’re curious about what to do in such a situation, check out this guide on whether you should kill a black widow spider.

If you’re curious about how to handle other types of spiders, such as jumping spiders, you might find this guide on what to do with jumping spiders helpful.

Huntsman spiders are more likely to run away than to bite. If you get bitten by a Huntsman spider, it’s a good idea to clean the bite with soap and water and apply ice to reduce swelling. If the bite doesn’t get better, you should see a doctor.

In most cases, a Huntsman spider bite will not cause any serious harm. The pain and swelling usually go away within a few hours or days. However, some people might be allergic to spider bites, so it’s important to pay attention to how your body reacts and seek medical help if needed.

Tip: To avoid getting bitten, don’t try to pick up or handle a Huntsman spider.

How Can You Safely Remove a Huntsman Spider from Your Home?

If you find a Huntsman spider in your home, you can remove it safely without hurting it. The best way to do this is to use a jar and a piece of paper. Carefully place the jar over the spider, then slide the paper under the jar to trap the spider inside. You can then take the spider outside and let it go.

Huntsman spiders are more active at night, so it’s a good idea to check your home for spiders in the evening if you’re worried about them. If you’re not comfortable handling a spider yourself, you can call a pest control professional to help.

Removing a Huntsman spider from your home is a simple process that doesn’t require any special tools. Just be sure to move slowly and avoid startling the spider. Huntsman spiders are not aggressive, but they might run quickly if they feel threatened.

Tip: Huntsman spiders are more active at night, so be careful when moving around your home in the evening.

Are There Any Myths About Huntsman Spiders?

There are many myths about Huntsman spiders that make them seem scarier than they really are. While these spiders might look intimidating, they are actually quite harmless to humans and can even be beneficial by controlling insect populations in your home.

But what about other spiders? If you’re fascinated by spiders and considering keeping one as a pet, you might be interested in learning about more beginner-friendly species. Some tarantulas, for example, are popular choices for first-time spider owners due to their docile nature. To help you get started, here’s a guide to the top 3 best tarantulas for beginners.

Myth: Huntsman spiders are dangerous.

Fact: Huntsman spiders are not harmful to humans and only bite if threatened.

Myth: Huntsman spiders live only in Australia.

Huntsman spiders are found in many parts of the world, not just Australia.

Myth: Huntsman spiders build webs.

Fact: Huntsman spiders do not spin webs; they hunt their prey by chasing it down.

Myth: Huntsman spiders are the most dangerous spiders in the U.S.

Fact: Huntsman spiders are less dangerous than black widows or brown recluses. Learn more about harmful spiders in the United States.

These myths can make Huntsman spiders seem more frightening than they are. In reality, Huntsman spiders are shy creatures that prefer to stay out of sight. They are not dangerous to humans and can actually be helpful by controlling insect populations in your home.

Understanding the truth about Huntsman spiders can help you feel more comfortable if you ever see one. Remember, these spiders are not out to get you—they’re just trying to find food and a safe place to live.

Why Are Huntsman Spiders Good for Your Home?

Even though Huntsman spiders might look frightening, they are actually good to have around. They help control the population of insects in your home, which can reduce the need for pesticides.

According to a 2024 study published by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), maintaining a natural balance of predators like spiders can significantly reduce pest infestations, helping to create a healthier home environment. Huntsman spiders prefer to avoid people and will usually stay hidden unless disturbed.

In many cultures, Huntsman spiders are considered beneficial because they keep pests like flies and cockroaches under control. By allowing Huntsman spiders to live in your home, you can reduce the number of bugs you see, which can make your home a more pleasant place to live.

Fun Fact: In some cultures, people believe that having a Huntsman spider in the house is good luck because they keep pests away.

When Are Huntsman Spiders Most Active?

Huntsman spiders are most active during the warmer months, especially in the spring and summer. You might see them more often in the evening when they come out to hunt for food. In cooler weather, they might seek shelter inside homes, which is why you may find one indoors during the fall and winter.

To keep Huntsman spiders out of your home, it’s important to seal any cracks or gaps around doors and windows. You should also keep your home clean and free of clutter, as this will reduce the number of hiding spots for spiders.

If you do find a Huntsman spider in your home, remember that it’s just looking for a safe place to stay. By safely removing the spider and releasing it outside, you can help keep your home free of pests without harming the spider.

Tip: To keep Huntsman spiders out of your home, seal cracks and gaps around doors and windows.

Conclusion

Huntsman spiders may look scary, but they are fascinating creatures that play an important role in controlling pests. By learning more about them, you can appreciate these spiders and understand that they are not as dangerous as they seem.

If you ever find a Huntsman spider in your home, remember that it’s easy to safely remove and release them outside. They might look big and fast, but they’re just trying to do their job of keeping your home bug-free.

FAQ

1. Are Huntsman spiders in the UK?

No, Huntsman spiders are not native to the UK; they prefer warmer climates.

2. Should I get rid of Huntsman spiders?

It’s not necessary to get rid of them—they help control pests in your home.

3. Are Huntsman spiders aggressive?

No, Huntsman spiders are not aggressive and usually run away when disturbed.

4. Do Huntsman spiders jump?

No, Huntsman spiders don’t jump; they use their speed to chase prey.

5. Why are Huntsman spiders so scary?

Their large size and fast movements can seem scary, but they’re harmless to humans.